Same-day breast cancer surgery: a qualitative study of women's lived experiences.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To understand the experiences of women having same-day breast cancer surgery and make recommendations to assist healthcare professionals effect change to enhance quality of care. RESEARCH APPROACH Thematic analysis of audiotaped interviews. SETTING Outpatient departments of two city hospitals on the east coast of Canada. PARTICIPANTS Purposive sample of 13 women who had undergone same-day breast cancer surgery. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH A constructivist approach with in-depth interviews and comparative analysis to develop and systemically organize data into four major interrelated themes and a connecting essential thread. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Women's experiences with same-day breast cancer surgery. FINDINGS The themes of preparation, timing, supports, and community health nursing intervention were of paramount importance for effective coping and recovery. Women who had a positive experience with same-day breast cancer surgery also reported having adequate preparation, appropriate timing of preparation, strong support systems, and sufficient community health nursing intervention. Those reporting a negative experience encountered challenges in one or more of the identified theme areas. CONCLUSIONS Same-day surgery is a sign of the times, and the approach to it is changing. Healthcare systems need to be responsive to such changes. Although same-day surgery for breast cancer is not suitable for every patient, women undergoing this type of surgery should be assessed individually to determine whether it is appropriate for them. INTERPRETATION Women undergoing breast cancer surgery should be screened for same-day surgery suitability. Those having same-day breast cancer surgery should be prepared adequately with timely education. Most importantly, such women should receive community health nursing follow-up for assessment, continuing education, and psychosocial support.